When the devastating cyclone ravaged Jamaica on October 28th with 185-mile-per-hour winds, it resulted in a landscape of widespread ruin. Residences, hospitals, and key utilities were severely compromised, causing 32 deaths and disrupting the lives of an approximate 1.5 million. For therapist Toni-Jan Ifill, it was obvious from the start that the physical wreckage would be shadowed by profound and long-term traumatic memories.
“Everyday occurrences can trigger them,” Ifill explains. “A patient mentioned a wheeled bin we often push through the halls, whose clatter evoked memories of cracking branches and the fierce gales. She no longer wants to listening to that sound.”
Over six weeks after the hurricane, which also affected parts of Cuba, flashbacks of the frightening storm continue to affect many staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston. Even the sound of rain can now elicit panic among those who lived through it.
The Unseen Cost Beyond Financial Losses
The catastrophic event triggered a significant financial package worth up to billions of dollars over a three-year period and an additional disbursement of $150m from a pioneering risk financing tool. However, experts warn this financial relief does not address the psychological cost: widespread trauma—particularly among those previously affected from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.
Although the primary focus is directed toward restoring buildings, studies over the past three years indicate that the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) grows markedly after climate disasters and forced relocation. Experts are now urging the inclusion of mental health support into disaster response plans across the region.
Layered Struggles: Insecurity and Emotional Stability
Academics stress how long-term dislocation, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate services amplify mental health risks. A recent regional study identified a clear threat of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after extreme weather. Another study documented comparable anxiety, fear, and emotional distress among people affected by other hurricanes.
Dr. Eamin Heanoy, a researcher who has studied disaster survivors in multiple countries, notes that survivors typically experience a trio of mental health challenges: PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, a lecturer in geography and disaster risk management, concurs. She notes that while humans are generally resilient, as the frequency of disasters increases, emotional fallout is becoming an ever more critical issue—although comprehensive data is still lacking.
These experts found that women affected showed higher mental distress than men. “So it’s quite possible women are at greater emotional risk than males in such catastrophes,” Smith explains.
The Difficult Journey to Psychological Repair
Dr. Heanoy notes that while some short-term recovery in mental health can happen within a twelve-month period, the ultimate prognosis can be unpredictable. The likelihood to which survivors bounce back is largely determined by the circumstances of their suffering and the support available.
The experts see that the destruction of property and resources can intensify the emotional challenge to rebuild. Smith calls housing loss “a major source of stress,” particularly when people have no economic cushion. “Starting again comes with its own mental burden,” she says.
Ifill observes the parallel situation among her patients: “People who had mental health conditions before have found it’s significantly worse in this short period of time.”
Apart from the mental impact, physical issues continue. The hurricane severely damaged critical water infrastructure, slowing the complete restoration of water services. Financial aid, while crucial, do not address all of the systemic weaknesses laid bare by the storm.
Grassroots Cohesion as a Critical Pillar
A key finding is that material recovery fails to mend the deep sorrow caused by the loss of loved ones. Research indicates that survivors commonly experience community support to be more immediate than government assistance.
“The government’s role is essential,” Smith says. “If it fails to materialize, or when it is inefficient, communities provide mutual aid.”
Ifill also highlights the strength of social bonds in overcoming challenges. She notes she was “moved by the sense of humour” among resilient populations. “You've lost everything, right? But if a community has a positive outlook, they find lightness about the storm.”
Ifill also commends steps to encourage mental health awareness after the disaster but advises about the negative effects of doomscrolling. “My advice was reducing screen time, following official updates, and leveraging technology to connect with family.”
An Expanding International Focus
Over the past decade, mental health has become a higher priority from international agencies due to the worsening climate crisis. The growing regularity of extreme weather has prompted the development of frameworks for trauma support.
Regional institutions have published practical guides to train responders in offering psychological care in the wake of disasters. These initiatives aim to strengthen individual and social resilience by building capacity, combating stigma, and promoting the use of mental health services.
Financial resources are also highlighted as fundamental for preserving emotional well-being. A producer from another Caribbean nation, who lost everything in a similar event, stresses the despair that arises when official support fails to materialize. “Officials visited... But to this date, we never got any payment,” he says.
An Appeal for Comprehensive Rebuilding
Leaders note that the Caribbean region is responsible for a tiny fraction of planetary pollution yet suffers disproportionate climate impacts. A rapid and adequately resourced rebuilding is deemed critical to mitigate enduring trauma.
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